When it comes to interviews, dress code plays an integral part. Of course, you want to create a good first impression in a job interview, right? Well, gone are the days when you could roll out of bed, slide into your comfy pajamas, and head to class. A job interview is significantly more strict on dress codes and you would not want to be underdressed for such an occasion.
Now, one might argue that appearance is superficial and it is the skill that counts. While it is completely true, you must also consider that your interviewer has probably never met you in person and has to decide for you in a very short time. So walking in casually may present a lack of intent which may negatively impact your interview. So, it is important for you to precisely know what to wear in an interview so that you do not run into an embarrassing situation.
Also read: Common interview question and answer.
Research the office dress code
Always remember that it is better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. So do your own research to make sure you understand the company’s policy on dress code. For example in many tech companies, what you wear is the least important thing while in most financial institutions dress codes are of paramount importance. So, before you head out to an interview, make sure you understand what sort of dress code the office has in place. A company’s social media page may often be a clear indication of what is considered acceptable for everyday attire. But even after the research if you are unsure of what to wear, a suit with pants or a skirt is usually considered a safe choice as you always have the option to take off your suit jacket for a more relaxed look.
What should women wear in an interview?
Women are particularly picky when it comes to what to wear in an interview. So, here are some outfit ideas for women which you might be interested in.
A professional top: We recommend wearing a comfortable and professional top paired with either a button-down shirt or a simple blouse and a blazer. However, there is definitely no right or wrong, and if you do not have a blazer a simple jacket or sweater works just fine.
Dress pants or a skirt: For pants and a skirt, it is best to go for something which is a bit on the longer size, preferably at least knee-length or longer. In terms of color a black or brown works the best, but any deep muted color works fine. But we would recommend avoiding strong colorful ones as they may look unprofessional.
Shoes: When it comes to shoes, you must make sure whatever you are wearing is comfortable with closed toes. It is also important to ensure that the shoes are not scratched or dirty as they may look unprofessional and dent your confidence. You must also make sure that you wear the shoes at least once before you actually wear them in the interview to make sure they fit you perfectly. There is nothing worse than landing an interview only to be distracted by your uncomfortable shoes.
Accessories: Jewelry is considered simple accessories and it is not uncommon to wear them in an interview. But make sure they are simple and not distracting. Avoid wearing too heavy accessories and if you like wearing nail polish, subtle color works the best.
What should men wear to an interview?
Professional clothes: Men on the other hand look good in shirts with simple buttons and light pairs of slacks. Long sleeve shirts look more professional than short sleeves. Also, if you have a suit with matching pants, it is best to wear them as it is most likely to suffice in most interviews. As for the color navy, charcoal gray and black are the best-looking colors for this and all are acceptable. The muted pattern is going to be perfect for business as most other patterns may not be acceptable. You must also take note of the material you use as cotton is usually considered the best material followed by wool depending on the climate. However, avoid using fancy materials like silk or other premium materials which may not be suited for an interview.
Dark shoes: Your option for shoes is quite limited to simple black or brown shoes. Make sure they are freshly polished and complement the rest of your outfit. Sneakers and other types of hiking boots are not considered appropriate office attire and must be avoided.
Accessories: When it comes to accessories for men, a simple watch will take you a long way. Ideally, you want something that is simple and elegant. You can also pair your watch with vests and cufflinks to give it a bold and professional look. However, make sure you do not wear anything that is too flashy.
What not to wear to an interview
Some workplaces may not have a strict policy on dress code and you have the choice to wear anything you want. But it is still important to understand that there are some dresses that you should avoid no matter what since they look unprofessional. Here is a list of things you should avoid.
Overly casual clothing: No matter how comfortable you want to feel, it is best to avoid casual clothes like tank tops, shorts, or flip-flops. Make sure your dress for the interview is more professional than your existing employees.
Strong perfume: Everyone has a different taste so it is important to respect that and avoid using any strong perfume or cologne which can be unpleasant or distracting for others.
Conclusion
There is no denying that how you present yourself does matter in an interview. Research has shown that your appearance and body language contribute to your performance and is considered an important factor in deciding whether you get the job. So do not rush when deciding what to wear in an interview and follow our guide as it will save you a lot of time. We also recommend you follow our other interview guide which will be extremely useful if you are trying to land a job. You can also follow our daily blogs to learn more.
